Screening Schedule for Diabetic Retinopathy

Patient classification

Initial examination

Follow-up examination

Type 1 diabetes

Within 3-5 yrs after diagnosis and patient age ≥10 yrs²

Within 5 years after diagnosis³

Annually; more frequently if indicated^1-3

Type 2 diabetes

At diagnosis

Annually^2,3 every other year in low-risk patients (eg, not on insulin, A1C <7%, dilated eye exam documenting no retinopathy within last year)¹

Pregnancy in pre-existing diabetes (but not in GDM)

Prior to conception and during first trimester²

Prior to conception or early in the first trimester³

As needed, pending results of first trimester exam^2,3

every 3-12 months if less than severe NPDR; every 1-3 months if severe NPDR or worse³